City Council will consider $20.1 million in state funds to convert a motel into 114 affordable apartments, review a fire service study recommending 84 new firefighters and two stations, and approve a $4 million increase for Mission Boulevard Bridge replacement.
Dramatic skies painted in crimson and gold light up over Via Vista in the Canyon Crest neighborhood following days of rain. (Bob Sirotnik) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Monday Gazette: January 12, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! It's the second Monday since the holiday hustle wound down, and today happens to be Work Harder Day. Whether you're easing back into your routine or already in full swing, we hope you're finding your rhythm.
And as always, we'd love to hear what you're working on this year. Have a story idea, a community tip, or a neighbor you think deserves recognition? We're here to help share what matters to Riverside. Drop us a line at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
City Council will consider $20.1 million in state funds to convert a motel into 114 affordable apartments, review a fire service study recommending 84 new firefighters and two stations, and approve a $4 million increase for Mission Boulevard Bridge replacement.
Welcome to our weekly digest of public meetings and agenda items worth your attention for this coming week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.
City Council
City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, Jan. 13, in afternoon sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and an evening session at 6:15 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes:
Reviewing the City's year-end financial report showing $9.56 million in unassigned General Fund reserves after revenues exceeded projections by 1.4%, while staff recommends holding these funds to address budget uncertainties from federal policy changes and pending Water Fund litigation that could cost up to $12 million annually.
Considering a $4 million increase to the City's share of the Mission Boulevard Bridge replacement project, bringing Riverside's total contribution to $5.2 million for the decade-long effort to replace the 1958 bridge over the Santa Ana River with a wider structure that includes a multi-purpose trail.
Reviewing a consultant's study that recommends the City hire 84 firefighters immediately and build two new fire stations to address response times that currently average 7 minutes 18 seconds, though no funding source has been identified beyond the existing budget.
Considering designating a 1903 Mount Rubidoux Drive residence as City Historic Landmark #153, recognizing its connection to early Riverside civic leaders and its architectural significance as an example of Arts and Crafts and Mission Revival design.
The Land Use Committee (Councilmembers Mill, Falcone, and Cervantes) meets on Mon, Jan. 12, at 9:00 a.m. (agenda) to consider raising fines for code violations such as property hazards and public nuisances—with second offenses increasing from $200 to $500 and third offenses from $500 to $1,000—in the first update to the 26-year-old fine structure that the City says has become ineffective at deterring repeat violations.
Board of Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees meets on Mon, Jan. 12, at 5:00 p.m. (agenda) for a construction update on the $20 million SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library, a 15,000 square-foot facility at Bobby Bonds Park that passed its grading inspection in December.
The Finance Committee (Councilmembers Hemenway, Robillard, and Falcone) meets on Wed, Jan. 14, at 3:00 p.m. (agenda) to review the City's self-insurance funds, which cover workplace injuries and liability claims, showing that cash reserves have fallen below required levels and could lead to increased departmental charges in upcoming budgets.
Commission of the Deaf
The Commission of the Deaf meets on Wed, Jan. 14, at 5:30 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
Council to Vote on $30 Million Homeless Housing Project After State Awards Funding
114-unit conversion of University Avenue motel would be city's largest permanent supportive housing development.
The Quality Inn at 1590 University Ave. would be converted into 114 studio apartments under a $29.7 million project before City Council on Tuesday.
Riverside will decide whether to accept $20.1 million in state funding to convert a University Avenue motel into 114 apartments for homeless residents.
Why it matters: This is Riverside's largest permanent supportive housing project—housing 94 people with behavioral health challenges plus 20 low-income residents in your neighborhood.
Driving the news: Council's 4-3 vote last May authorized the application; Tuesday's vote finalizes acceptance of the Homekey+ grant awarded in November.
City commits $9.5 million in local housing funds to the $29.7 million project.
The backstory: The Quality Inn at 1590 University Avenue logged 164 police calls since January 2024, drawing complaints from neighboring businesses including Farmhouse Collective.
What's included:
Six case managers (four from City Net, two city staff)
94 Project-Based Section 8 vouchers from the county
18 accessible units
14-month completion deadline
What they're saying: "Riverside is in no position to say 'no' to over $21 million," said Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who chairs the Housing Committee.
The big picture: Riverside Housing Development Corporation will operate University Terrace Homes, adding to the city's 104 existing permanent supportive housing units across four properties.
What's next: Council votes Tuesday, January 13 at 6:15 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber, 3900 Main Street.
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